The Africa Climate and Energy Nexus (AfCEN) is proud to announce that Jabri Ibrahim from Kenya, an associate at AfCEN, has been appointed to work alongside the United Nations Secretary-General as part of a select cohort of young climate leaders from around the world. In a global cohort of 14, Jabri is one of just two African young leaders entrusted to work alongside the UN Secretary-General on climate solutions. This prestigious appointment brings together other exceptional young innovators, activists, and entrepreneurs from every region, each bringing unique expertise and lived experience, to advise, co-create, and accelerate global solutions for climate, energy, and sustainable development.

The appointments include outstanding changemakers like Sibusiso Mazomba from South Africa,  Ashley Lashley from Barbados, Angela Busheska from North Macedonia, Marcel Bodewig from Germany among others. For Jabri, this is a chance to represent Africa’s perspectives, realities, and innovations at the very heart of the global decision-making process. As we continue to champion African solutions to global climate, energy, and development challenges, we believe Africa’s vast renewable resources, youthful population, and deep reservoir of innovation positions us as active problem-solvers in shaping the world’s future.

Jabri’s appointment reflects this conviction, proving that African leadership is already influencing the global agenda. The United Nations has long played a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development, peace, and cooperation among nations. In the face of escalating climate risks and widening inequality, the UN has sharpened its focus on climate action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. One critical lesson has emerged: youth leadership is essential to achieving lasting solutions.

Young people make up the largest generation in history, with Africa at the heart of this demographic wave. By 2030, more than 40% of the world’s youth will be African. This is a global advantage. Young leaders bring fresh ideas, technological fluency, and a sense of urgency that matches the pace of the climate crisis. They are often on the frontlines of innovation, finding ways to blend traditional knowledge with modern solutions.

Recognising this, the UN Secretary-General has committed to working closely with young change-makers through structured platforms that enable meaningful dialogue, policy input, and collaboration. The appointment of young leaders like Jabri is part of this strategy, ensuring that voices from all continents, particularly those most affected by climate change, are at the table.

This role is a platform for Africa to influence global policies with grounded, context-driven insights. Through his work, Jabri will bring forward the stories of African communities pioneering renewable energy solutions, driving climate-smart agriculture, and unlocking green finance — themes central to AfCEN’s seven focus areas, from energy transition to adaptation and resilience.

In a time when climate and development challenges are intertwined, this appointment reaffirms that the solutions we need will come from diverse voices working together. AfCEN will continue to nurture and champion such leadership, ensuring that Africa is not only part of the conversation but is helping to set the agenda.

Today, we celebrate Jabri’s achievement as a victory for African youth leadership — and as a step towards a more just, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.